Reflections on Twenty Years of Ministry: Faithful Co-Laborers

This is the sixth of a series of reflections of gratitude on 20 years of ministry at GBC.

We are part of a lineage that reaches back to Christ and reaches ahead into eternity.

But we also are part of each other’s stories.  We share life together.  So in our church body there are two and three and maybe four generations of the discipleship process of 2 Timothy 2:2.

In our church are a host of people who do not need to be ashamed before Christ (2:15).

Paul’s point in 2 Timothy 1:13 – 2:2 is that the gospel is precious and must be protected; don’t give it to just anyone.  Only give it to faithful, trustworthy men.

We have a church full of people who take the truth and faithfully disseminate it to others.  That is reason for great gratitude.

A pastor could not ask for a more faithful friend and gifted co-worker than Keith.  And the elders (who are unafraid to challenge and confront me).  And deacons who are willing servants.  And SS teachers and AWANA leaders and VBS and GBI teachers.  And mowers and cooks and evangelizers and givers of time, talents, and resources.

This is the way ministry happens — everyone using his gifts to encourage and build up others, and individuals in our church body do that with such great joy.  The church is dependent on everyone using gifts, and one great reason for our health is everyone using his/her spiritual gifts.

I think of each member of the body and think of the stories we share.  Some are funny (like the time I fell through a hallway ceiling only to be found by a deacon’s wife moments later as I was brushing insulation off my wounded pride).  Some recollections are heart-breaking (like sudden illness and death, rejection of Christ and the gospel, and broken families).  Some are joyful (like salvation of an 80-year-old or a teenager loving and embracing the truth).

But we have been together and prayed together and wept together and eaten together and in the process God has knit our hearts together as co-laborers for Him.  Aren’t you glad for people who are building into you?  Arent’ you grateful for the people who you have an opportunity to disciple?

We are all working together for same purpose and goal and it has always been that way, and that is means for great thankfulness.